Crawford Covered Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Crawford Covered Bridge
|
|
 |
|
 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
|
|
| Nearest city | West Finley, Pennsylvania |
|---|---|
| Area | 0.1 acres (0.040 ha) |
| Architectural style | Queenpost truss |
| MPS | Covered Bridges of Washington and Greene Counties TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 79002361 |
| Added to NRHP | June 22, 1979 |
The Crawford Covered Bridge is a special kind of bridge in West Finley, Pennsylvania. It's a historic covered bridge that uses a unique design called a Queen post truss. This bridge is about 11 feet 7 inches wide and 39 feet long. It has tall sides and a roof made of metal. You can still drive across it today, over the Robinson Fork of Wheeling Creek.
This bridge is important because it's been officially recognized as a historic landmark. The Washington County History & Landmarks Foundation has given it this special title.
Contents
What is a Covered Bridge?
A covered bridge is exactly what it sounds like: a bridge with walls and a roof! Imagine a long, wooden tunnel that helps you cross a river or stream. These bridges were very popular a long time ago.
Why Were Bridges Covered?
You might wonder why people bothered to put a roof and walls on a bridge. It wasn't just for looks! The main reason was to protect the wooden parts of the bridge from bad weather.
- The roof kept rain and snow from soaking the wood.
- The walls protected the sides from wind and sun.
This protection helped the wooden parts last much longer. Without it, the wood would rot and wear out quickly. Covering the bridge made it stronger and safer for many years.
How Does a Truss Bridge Work?
The Crawford Covered Bridge is also a "truss bridge." A truss is like a giant puzzle made of triangles. These triangles are very strong shapes. They help spread out the weight of the bridge and anything crossing it.
What is a Queenpost Truss?
The Crawford Covered Bridge uses a specific type of truss called a "Queenpost truss." This design is fairly simple but very effective for shorter bridges.
- It uses two main vertical posts (the "queens") and a top beam.
- These parts form a strong, stable structure.
- It helps the bridge hold up heavy loads.
This design makes the bridge sturdy and safe for traffic.
History of the Crawford Covered Bridge
The Crawford Covered Bridge has been around for a long time. It was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 22, 1979. This means it's recognized as an important historical site in the United States.
Where is the Bridge Located?
The bridge is in West Finley, Pennsylvania. This area is known for its beautiful countryside. The bridge crosses a part of Wheeling Creek, which flows through Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
- It's a small but important piece of local history.
- It shows how people built things in the past.
The bridge is a great example of old-fashioned engineering. It helps us understand how communities connected with each other long ago.
